ExpressTruckTax Blog

Thursday, May 3, 2018

IRS Form 2290 pre-filing season is officially here and the regular filing season is on the horizon. So to help get you ready here are the ten things truckers need to know about IRS Form 2290.

Time and time again truckers filing their 2290 online tend to ask the same questions and make the same mistakes when it comes to their heavy vehicle use taxes. So let’s go over them, so they are fresh in your mind when you pre-file or e-file later this year.

1. Is my vehicle subject to the HVUT/Form 2290?

You are subject to HVUT/Form 2290 if you are registering a vehicle in your name as an owner-operator or self-employed driver, it weighs more than 55,000 pounds, and you are using it on public roads. The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax applies to both interstate and intrastate drivers.

2. If I am based in Canada or Mexico, does the HVUT apply?

Yes, if you drive your vehicle in the United States. You will need to file a 2290 Form 2018 and pay any owed taxes. You will also need to carry proof of tax compliance when entering the U.S. as well.

3. When is Form 2290 due in 2018?

IRS Form 2290 returns are due on the last day of the month following your vehicle’s first month of use during the reporting period. That means if your vehicle was on the road last July (2017) the deadline for filing is August 31, 2018.

If your vehicle goes into service during the reporting period, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay the tax amount. For example, if you purchased a vehicle in November 2018, you are required to put the vehicle in your name making its first month of use December. In this case, you will need to file an additional Form 2290, Schedule 1, and pay owed taxes on or before December 31, 2019. This is a partial year filing and will be a reduced tax amount.

4. Can I suspend my Heavy Vehicle Use Tax?

You can apply for a suspension of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax if you expect to drive your vehicle less than 5,000 miles during the year (7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles).

However, you are still required to file IRS Form 2290 even though you do not have a tax payment. If you do end up driving more than expected, you must file an amendment to your original 2290 and pay taxes.

5. Am I required to file my 2290 Form online?

Only if you have 25 or more qualified vehicles. If you do, the IRS does not require you to file 2290 online. However, the IRS highly encourages all taxpayers to file and pay online with an IRS-authorized e-file provider, like ExpressTruckTax. Hint hint…..

6. How can I claim a credit?

Now is the time for you to claim any credits you earned last year. The credits can be claimed using a couple of different methods.

If you ended up driving your vehicle less than 5,00 miles (or 7,500 for agricultural vehicles) you can claim a credit. Or if your vehicle was stolen or destroyed last year, you can claim a credit. For more information, I would visit the IRS website for the full list of situations.

7. Can I claim a refund on my IRS Form 2290?

Yes, if your credit exceeds your taxes owed on your 2018-2019 filing, you will need to file a refund. This can be done by filing IRS Form 8849, Claim for Refund Excise Taxes.

8. What do I need to register my vehicle?

Proof of your HVUT payment is required before you register your vehicles. You will not be registered unless you can provide your stamped Schedule 1.

9. How do I pay 2990 online?

When you file 2290 online with ExpressTruckTax, you can pay via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by check/money order.

10. Where can I find more information about IRS Form 2290?

You can check out our blog page for more information concerning pre-filing and the upcoming 2290 season. Check out our FAQ page which answers more questions you might have about Form 2290. Or you can find more information via the IRS publication “Instructions for Form 2290.”

We Got Your Back

We understand that we are coming up on a very stressful time for the trucking industry, but we will be there every step of the way. We will continue to supply you with up-to-date information about the IRS Form 2290 deadline.

ExpressTruckTax is a trusted IRS-authorized e-file provider with a simplified step-by-step filing process. We also offer 24/7 support in both English and Spanish to answer any of your questions.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

When did you first use your heavy vehicle during the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) period? If it was in January, then it is time to file Form 2290!

If this deadline has caught you off guard no need to fear, ExpressTruckTax is here to help you complete your forms in just a matter of minutes. But we go a step further by providing you with important Form 2290 information so you can drive right on through your e-filing experience. Check out these top HVUT deadline tips from the tax experts at ExpressTruckTax.

Was January Your First Used Month? Time to File Your 2290

So why are there so many deadlines for Form 2290? Well, your deadline for Form 2290 is based the first month you've used your heavy vehicle on public highways during the current tax period. This is important because you don’t have to pay for the months your truck wasn’t on the road.

Unlike the fiscal year, the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax runs from July 1st to June 20th of the following year, and you need to file by the last day of the month following your first used month. So that means that if you first used your truck back in January, it is time to file…… or face penalties.

So other than the fear of penalties why is Form 2290 so important? Because the taxes collected are used to repair, maintain, and build public roads. Once you file, you will get a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 as proof of filing and paying your HVUT taxes. You will actually need this form to renew your tags and to complete your International Registration Plan (IRP) return.

Fear the HVUT Penalties

If you fail to file by midnight tonight and you are required to do so, you will face expensive penalties. If that doesn’t strike fear into your heart, I am sure this will. The penalty rate for failing to file is a minimum of 4.5 % of the total tax due. This amount will accrue on a monthly basis for up to five months.

Plus, if your HVUT payment is late or is not paid in full, you will owe an additional penalty of 0.5% of the total amount owed. Oh and yeah there is an additional penalty of .54% too.

But wait it gets worst: If you don’t file you will not receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1, which is required by the DMV to operate your vehicle legally. Don’t get stuck in the pits by this deadline but take a caution lap getting ahead over the competition with ExpressTruckTax.

Keep on Truckin’ With ExpressTruckTax

Our e-filing system is streamlined for fast and easy use so we can get you back on the road fast. No complex IRS jargon just straightforward interview style questions. If you get stuck in a rut, don't worry we will give you push no need to get out of the truck! Our dedicated team of tax experts standing by.

When you file with us, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in as little as 15 minutes via email.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

As a trucker, you probably know that you have truck taxes to pay. From IRP, IFTA, Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes, and more. You probably also already know that if you miss a deadline you will have hefty penalties to face.

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we don’t want you to get penalized and we understand that your HVUT 2290 deadline can be confusing since it’s based on your first used month. That’s why we're here to clear things up with the proper HVUT Form 2290 facts. These facts will make you a truck tax expert like all of the incredibly skilled members on our support team.

HVUT 2290 Reminders

1. Your HUVT Form 2290 is due based on your first used month.

This ultimately means that your Form 2290 is due based on the month that you first use your truck. This is true for all drivers. They do not have to file Form 2290 until the last day of the month after the month that they first use their heavy vehicle on public highways.

For example, if you first use your truck in October then your Form 2290 is due by November 30. If you first use your truck in March then your Form 2290 is due by April 30. Therefore your 2290 can be due in a completely different month from when your friend’s is due.

It’s important to note that the deadline is based on the first used month during the tax period which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. The current HVUT Form 2290 tax period began on July 1, 2017 and will end on June 30.

Because most truckers first use their heavy vehicles in July, the first month of the tax period, most HVUT Form 2290s are due on August 31.

2. You could save money based on your vehicle type.

It’s true, some vehicles are subject to lower tax rates than others depending on what you drive. The different vehicle types include:

Agricultural: These are highway motor vehicles that are used or expected to be used for farming purposes primarily. They must be registered as agricultural vehicles and count as suspended or credit vehicles when used for less than 7,500 miles during the tax period.

Logging: Logging vehicles are used exclusively for hauling timber from or around harvested forest sites. They have to be registered as logging vehicles with your state and are subject to lower tax rates.

Suspended Vehicles: Suspended vehicles are vehicles that are expected to travel less than 5,000 miles during the tax period. (7,500 for agricultural vehicles). They’re also known as credit vehicles. Other examples of credit vehicles include vehicles that were lost, stolen, sold, or destroyed.

3. E-Filing With ExpressTruckTax is Best

We have streamlined the e-filing process to be quick and simple, no matter what month your HVUT Form 2290 is due. Our step-by-step e-filing guide will help you instantly complete your form and transmit it directly to the IRS. Then within about 15 minutes, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Plus, our outstanding, US-based ExpressTruckTax support team is full of truck tax experts who are ready to assist you every step of the way. Give us a call Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM EST at 704.234.6005, reach us via live chat, or take advantage of our 24/7 email support at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

Monday, August 25, 2014

You may not know it yet, but there’s a tax-filing pro inside each and every one of you! We at ExpressTruckTax firmly believe this, so that’s why we designed accessible E-filing solutions– to let that tax pro shine!

So on this #ManicMonday morning, less than one week from the Form 2290 deadline, it’s time to unleash your inner tax guru!

Here’s a crash course in E-filing your truck taxes– ETT 101: Intro to Easy E-filing! Get a head start on your E-filing degree by learning the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Q: What is my first-used month?

A: For most people, the default answer is July.The HVUT tax year opens July 1st. So this means that the first-used month for all renewals is automatically July. Even if you’re filing in August or September, the first-used month must still be set back to July if you’re vehicle was driven that month. The only time you’d select a later month is if the vehicle is purchased later in the year.

Q. What is the taxable gross weight of my vehicle?

A: The taxable gross weight of your vehicle can be determined by adding three numbers together. 1. The unloaded (empty tare) weight of the vehicle, plus 2. The unloaded weight of any trailers customarily attached to the vehicle, and 3. The weight of the maximum load customarily carried in the vehicle and/or attached trailers. The sum of these three figures is your taxable gross weight.

Q: Does the IRS take credit cards?

A: No, but we do! While you can pay our fee with a credit card, the IRS no longer accepts tax payments via credit card. We do, however, still offer three convenient methods of payment: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and Check or Money order. Direct Debit, also called Electronic Funds Withdrawal, is the fastest way to pay, but it’s only available to E-filers! You provide your bank account & routing number, and the IRS initiates a Direct Debit from your bank account.

EFTPS is a free service through the US Dept. of the Treasury, but you must register with this system 5-7 business days prior to when you need to make a payment. Also, the payment must be scheduled at least 1 business day prior to the payment due date!

Finally, if you pay by check or money order, you’ll get your Schedule 1 back even on a weekend or holiday! Just don’t forget to mail your 2290-V payment voucher with your check, but don’t staple them together! The completed voucher can be found on page 5 of your 2290; we autofill it for you!

Q: Why am I entering two methods of payment?

A: While you can pay us by credit card (only $9.90 for those with a single truck!), you will also need to select one of the three payment methods above to pay your taxes to the IRS.

Q: How do I make VIN corrections?

A: The answer: easily! If your return is rejected for a VIN error, such as a duplicate filing error, we’ll help you find the mistake, fix it, and retransmit it to the IRS for free! But only if you E-filed with us! If you made a VIN error, but your return was accepted by the IRS, then you can quickly E-file a Form 2290 Amendment. Simply log back in as a Returning User, click “Start” under 2290 Amendment, then “Start” under Form 2290 VIN correction. You’ll receive your updated, stamped Schedule 1 as soon as the IRS accepts the correction!

Of course, we can’t possibly cover everything in one class! So if you’re ready to graduate, check out the sequel: E-FILING 102!

And if you still have questions, give our Support Heroes a call! They offer one-on-one ETT101 tutoring in English, Spanish, and Russian! Call us at 704.234.6005, speak via online chat, or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Form 2290 must be filed by the last day of the month following the month of first use. For example, if you purchase and first use a vehicle in January, you must file a Form 2290 by the end of February. Annual renewal of your Form 2290 for a new tax period must be completed by August 31.

Heavy vehicle use taxes are determined by the taxable gross weight and first use month of the vehicle. Vehicles used for logging are subject to lower taxes. If you begin using your vehicle during any month other than July you are liable for a prorated tax amount during that tax period. Our system will automatically calculate your Form 2290 tax based on your vehicle weight and first use month.

All you will need is some basic business information, EIN, VIN and Gross Weight of the Vehicle to complete the return. Then you will transmit the return to the IRS and you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 in just minutes! If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact us our US based customer support team in Rock Hill, SC at 704-234-6005 or email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Keep records for all taxable highway vehicles registered in
your name for at least 3 years after the date the tax is due or paid, whichever
is later. They must be available at all times for inspection by the IRS. Also
keep copies of all returns and schedule 1s you have filed.

Keep your records even
if a vehicle is registered in your name for only a portion of a period. If the
tax is suspended on a highway motor vehicle for a period because its use on
public highways during the period did not exceed 5,000 miles (7,500 miles for
agricultural vehicles), the registrant must keep the records at least 3 years
after the end of the period to which the suspension applies.

Records for each vehicle should show all of the following
information.

1. A detailed description of the vehicle, including the VIN.

2. The weight of loads carried by the vehicle in the same
form as required by any state in which the vehicle is registered or required to
be registered.

3. The date you acquired the vehicle and the name and
address of the person from whom you acquired it.

4. The first month of each period in which a taxable use
occurred and any prior month in which the vehicle was used in the period while
registered in your name, with proof that the prior use was not a taxable use.

5. The date the vehicle was sold or transferred and the name
and address of the purchaser or transferee. If it was not sold, the records
must show how and when you disposed of it.

6. If the tax is suspended for a vehicle, keep a record of
actual highway mileage. For an agricultural vehicle, keep accurate records of
the number of miles it is driven on a farm.

When you E-File your Form 2290 using an IRS Authorized
E-File Provider like ExpressTruckTax.com, all your records are stored in your
online account. If your records are ever
requested by the IRS, you can simply sign into your account and download the
requested records.

In addition to having
your records right there at your fingertips, through ExpressTruckTax.com, you
can file your Form 2290, pay your HVUT taxes owed to the IRS and receive your
Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. Having the option to E-File makes the annual filing process quick and
easy and simplifies the recordkeeping requirements.